u/Dirt077

Hi All!

I recently got interested in planting trees from seeds. Some to keep inside, some to plant in the yard, some to give away to friends and family for them to plant.

My interest unfortunately started late in the season, so not enough time for me to do a full stratification like recommended for the types of seeds I got. These are the types I'm trying to sprout. Varying cold stratification requirements listed on the seed package ranging from 30-90 days, except the coastal redwood that says no stratification required:

• Tulip poplar
• Japanese mountain cherry
• Sugar maple
• Gray birch
• White pine
• Eastern redbud
• Blue sandalwood
• Coastal redwood
• Sierra redwood
• Red maple

I've found lots of differing opinions on "rapid stratification" methods that still have decent germination rates, and thought I settled on one

1. 24hr soak in room temp water
2. Transfer to a moist paper towel in a sealed plastic bag
3. Bag in the fridge for 7 days
4. Bag in germination location at room temp with light for 7 days
5. Then sow any that have sprouted, and put any that haven't back in the fridge for another 7 day cycle

I did the initial soak and initial 7 day fridge period, and just transferred them to a folding table under a grow light out in my 3 season porch. Temps range from mid 50s at night to mid-low 80s during the day.

My question for you lovely experts... Do I have any chance for them to grow doing this strategy? I'm realizing that the method I chose might not actually work for trees, and might have been intended for flowers or fruits. At this point, what do you guys recommend I do for my specific situation? Should I give up on a "rapid stratification" and just put them back in the fridge for the 30-90 days? Should I continue with my plan? Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance!! I'm not looking for crazy high germination rates, just looking for anything above 10%-20% in as little time as possible. Just want to make sure I'm not hoping for sprouts when nothing will happen on this current path.